Components for a pervasive information dissemination architecture

In this paper we explore the requirements of pervasive information dissemination architectures. We identify five critical components that should be present in such a system - the real-virtual bridge, the data representation component, the information presentation component, the security component and the middleware - and provide an overview of the various implementation options. We also present our current proof-ofconcept system including the choices we have made with regard to the five components. Using cheap RFID tags and readers, stock PDAs and an ontology-based back-end, this proof-of-concept implementation represents a low-cost and realistic pervasive campus information system. The goal of this paper is to spark discussion as to the suitability of this architecture as a pervasive education environment.